Byzantine Ceramic Hand Grenade with Linear Decoration (No reserve price)
14
days
08
hours
45
minutes
12
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Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 300 - € 380
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Byzantine ceramic hand grenade with a hollow globular body, decorated with vertical linear incisions and a mid horizontal band, dating to circa 9th–11th century AD, measuring 15.3 cm long by 10.4 cm wide, in fair condition with major chips to the mouth and shoulders; provenance: ex private UK collection (acquired 1990s).
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A Byzantine ceramic vessel featuring a hollow globular body with a pointed base. To the top, the vessel rises into a short narrow neck with a small mouth. The body of the piece has been decorated with vertical linear incisions, intersected by a horizontal encircling band across the middle. Such an item would have been filled with an explosive liquid known as ‘Greek Fire’ and used as a hand grenade. Earthy encrustations, scratches, indentations and chipping to the surface. Major chips to the mouth and shoulders.
Greek fire, also referred to as liquid fire, was the most famous weapon of Byzantine arsenal, saving the Byzantines for centuries from Arab attacks. Being used in both defence and attack situations, the weapon proved significant in the survival of the Byzantine Empire. The formula for the flammable mixture was closely guarded for centuries and irredeemably lost after the collapse of the Empire. Its precise composition thus remains unknown to this day, though research suggests the use of petroleum as a vital ingredient. Their average size and grip suggest the vessel being thrown by hand, in short-range conflicts, but this does not exclude the use of grenades in long-distance battles and at sea; as they were most likely hurled by catapults.
Measurements: L 15.3cm x W 10.4cm
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
A Byzantine ceramic vessel featuring a hollow globular body with a pointed base. To the top, the vessel rises into a short narrow neck with a small mouth. The body of the piece has been decorated with vertical linear incisions, intersected by a horizontal encircling band across the middle. Such an item would have been filled with an explosive liquid known as ‘Greek Fire’ and used as a hand grenade. Earthy encrustations, scratches, indentations and chipping to the surface. Major chips to the mouth and shoulders.
Greek fire, also referred to as liquid fire, was the most famous weapon of Byzantine arsenal, saving the Byzantines for centuries from Arab attacks. Being used in both defence and attack situations, the weapon proved significant in the survival of the Byzantine Empire. The formula for the flammable mixture was closely guarded for centuries and irredeemably lost after the collapse of the Empire. Its precise composition thus remains unknown to this day, though research suggests the use of petroleum as a vital ingredient. Their average size and grip suggest the vessel being thrown by hand, in short-range conflicts, but this does not exclude the use of grenades in long-distance battles and at sea; as they were most likely hurled by catapults.
Measurements: L 15.3cm x W 10.4cm
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
Circa 9th-11th century AD
Name of object
Hand Grenade with Linear Decoration
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2000
Material
Ceramic
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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